"So what we're planning here, even though it's counterintuitive, to increase safety by increasing the speed," said Delegate Neil Parrott, R-Washington County.

The legislation singles out the ICC and Interstate 68 in western Maryland. However, it would allow an increase in the speed limit on roads deemed appropriate by state highway officials.

The round-trip toll on the ICC is $8. Lawmakers contend for that price drivers should be able to go faster.

"Raising the speed limit would increase the value of riding the ICC," said Delegate Aruna Miller, D-Montgomery County.

In response to the 1973 oil crisis, prompting gas rationing in the U.S., Congress imposed a nationwide 55 mph speed limit to save energy. After it ended, the limit remained in place for safety reasons. In 1995, Congress lifted the restriction and gave states the authority to impose its own limits, and 35 states have done that some with limits of 70 and above.

"It's time the state does takes a look at this issue and bring us in line and into the modern world of transportation with the states that surround us," said Sen. George Edwards, R-Western Maryland.

AAA is not taking a position on the issue. In the past, Maryland State Police opposed raising the limit to 65 during the Glendenning administration. Based in part on the number of speed-camera citations coupled with an unscientific observation of motorists, there appears to be a high level of public support to raise the speed limit.

"I think that we have a number of roads that having a 70 mph speed limit is perfectly fine and would actually move traffic better and safer than the speed limits we have at the present time," said Sen. Ronald Young, D-Frederick.

The State Highway Administration is currently studying the 55 mph limit on the ICC and is expected to make its findings known at some time this session. Keep in mind, the legislation gives the SHA the authority to raise the speed limit to 70 mph on roads it deems appropriate.